Cuong Nhu is a system that aims to develop good character as well as physical ability. It is founded on what O'Sensei Dong called the "Three O's Principle:"

Open Mind - Open Heart - Open Arms

Open Mind. As in the famous Zen story about the tea master and the philosopher, you must "empty your cup" to make way for new understanding and stimulate your thirst for learning. Do not let preconceptions cloud your ability to receive new ideas.

Open Heart. Make the effort to show understanding, caring, and compassion toward others. Dissolve your ego.

Open Arms. Reach out to take action, work and share with others, and achieve your visions for the world.

What do the Three O's have to do with martial arts? Everything! The dojo is a microcosm of society, and of daily life. In the dojo (training hall) we strive, we struggle, and we learn to depend on each other in practicing difficult skills. We must have trust and understanding with our training partners, who may be people very different from ourselves. We cannot learn without opening our minds, and we cannot practice together without learning patience and compassion for others. In turn, the skills we practice in the dojo translate into skills for work, school, and community.